iPhone 17 Launch in India Sparks Frenzy: Overnight Queues, Scuffles at Apple Stores
The much-anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 in India on Friday quickly descended into chaos as eager buyers flooded Apple Stores across the country. With excitement at an all-time high, long queues formed hours before the official 8 a.m. opening, and at some locations, scuffles even broke out among the crowds.
Apple currently operates four flagship stores in India — in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune. All of them witnessed massive turnouts, but the Mumbai store at the BKC Jio Centre drew particular attention after videos surfaced of buyers jostling and throwing punches in a bid to get ahead in line. Security personnel struggled to maintain order, with some aggressors being escorted out.
According to eyewitnesses, the clashes erupted after a few people attempted to cut the line, sparking frustration among those who had been waiting since the early hours. Mohan Yadav, a buyer standing in line at the Mumbai store, expressed his frustration: “I have been waiting since the morning. People are breaking lines, and the security here is not taking responsibility. Those at the back are being denied a fair chance to buy the phone.”
The excitement wasn’t limited to Mumbai. In New Delhi, Apple’s Select Citywalk Mall store in Saket saw buyers camping overnight, some arriving as early as 1 a.m. to secure their spot. Many had traveled long distances, including from neighboring states such as Punjab, while others admitted to skipping work just to be among the first to buy the new iPhone. The queues stretched across multiple floors of the mall, with makeshift seating provided for waiting customers.
Similar scenes were reported from Apple’s Bengaluru and Pune outlets, where thousands turned up despite the high price tags of the new devices.
Pricing and Lineup
The iPhone 17 series, which includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, has officially gone on sale in India. Prices begin at ₹82,900 for the base model, while the ultra-slim iPhone Air is priced at ₹1,19,900. The premium Pro and Pro Max versions cost ₹1,34,900 and ₹1,49,900, respectively. Alongside the iPhone lineup, Apple also launched the latest Apple Watch models and the third-generation AirPods Pro.
Despite the steep prices, the opening-day frenzy suggests another blockbuster launch for Apple in the Indian market. With record-breaking demand and a loyal fanbase willing to wait overnight, the iPhone 17 series appears set to strengthen Apple’s growing presence in one of its most important markets.
